Two Way Radio Set

I'm looking into buying a two way radio for my next skiing trip so I can keep in touch with where my family is on the slopes while I go off piste with my friend.
I want a radio with the largest range but I'm not sure what the largest range is without a licence in the UK and Europe.
Can anyone fill me in on whats what with radio laws in UK and Europe etc and recomend a good set of two way radios that isn't gonna cost the earth?
I was thinking something with a 10 mile range?

10 mile unlicenced? Not a hope in hell.

I have a cheapy pair of PMR446 (no licence req'd) for skiing. As long as we're both on the same side of the mountain (or opposite sides of a valley) then I've never had a problem. Range is about 3 or 4 miles across a valley.

I won't bore you with the laws and regulations, but unlicenced 446MHz radios have a power limit of 0.5W. This can be tweaked by someone who knows what they are doing ;-)

Google for PMR446. Have fun off-piste!

2007-08-29 04:00:43 by Jonathan

This radio is cool...... Houston Communications Inc 1-866-406-7688 www.houstoncommunications.com

I'm looking at buying a set of Two-Way radios for my small consulting business. I would like as long of range as possible since I know you get less distance due to building obstructions & weather conditions. Both radios should have a recharging base they plug into. I've seen up to 18 mile GMRS radios but would like to see if I can find longer range. I can also apply for a FCC license if needed.

I'm looking into this as an alternative to wireless phones since I would only be speaking with one other person 95% of the time (my dispatch). Using these type of radios would cut down on the need for a larger calling plan with phones since most of my clients are within the same 5-10 mile range. I don't need private/encrypted channels but the FRS channels around here are too busy with other users.

Use of GMRS requires a license. In a business, *each person* using the radios would require their own license. Businesses cannot get a GMRS license as they are non-individuals. "Consumer grade" GMRS radios with those false 18 mile range claims will not work for the application you need. Range is typically 2 miles or less.

With a base station, and a mobile radio, you could swing this range with GMRS. *Maybe* a base and a handheld would work. You need that antenna height.

OR, you could go with something in the Business Radio service. A repeater would be needed. You probably need to consult with a reputable communications company and have them set you up. Equipment costs, licensing, and repeater lease fees could get costly.

2007-05-13 22:03:30 by rlucas7298

Price: $35.98 $30.50

Powered by rechargeable NiMH battery packs; dual drop-in charger/adapter included
Key lock locks in key function
Five call tones and selectable roger beep; headset jack for VOX or PTT-type headset operation
NOAA weather radio lets you access local weather conditions, forecasts, and hazard information
Resistant to damage from splashing water

YES MUCH BETTER

2009-07-15 02:34:50 by BOB

Price: $129.99 $74.72

Dual power: 10 hrs. Alkaline (3AAA) or 8hrs. NiMH
A range of up to 23 miles under favorable conditions
22 channels, each with 121 privacy codes for 2,662 combinations
iVOX hands-free communication without the need of an audio accessory
11 weather channels (7 NOAA) with alert and scan feature

http://mymotorolaradio.com/pdf/HT1250LS. pdf

2008-10-02 06:04:32 by Jason

I'm talking about functional ranges, not advertised ranges. Motorolia and other brands often tout their products as having 5, 10, or even 15 mile ranges, yet in practice in urban, suburban, or rugged terrain the range is often much smaller.

I'm wondering if there's anyone out there with any experience with particular models, and if so if they've found any exact models that perform well in these environments...
The terrain itself is a little hilly, and we'd be transmitting from house to house at a range of about 3/4 a mile. The biggest problem I see is that my buddy is essentially on the other side of a large hill on which a bunch of houses are situated. I understand what the difference in ranges comes from, but more often than not even on a flat, wide open expanse these radios do not reach their advertised range. They're often lucky to attain half that, in fact. I was just asking to see if anyone had had any success with a particular set.

The difference between the advertised and actual ranges (apart from those that embellish their range info) is the terrain that it s expected to work in. This includes any hills or steel and concrete structures.

You have not mentioned anything so if you are in a general flat landscape in a suburban area the range should generally be what is advertised.

If you have hills (or mountains) or many seriously tall buildings around, it will be difficult to put a number n the range. Try it out with a set from a friend...

2006-09-22 22:38:05 by Casey D